C-Section Scar Massage

Did you know that the way your c-section scar heals can be helped along greatly with massage?
Not many people do, but it can be so beneficial. Restricted movement, numbness, sensitivity and physical appearance of the scar can be addressed from 6 weeks post birth.
Not only can I help during a hands on treatment, I will also give you techniques that you can use yourself at home. And the best thing is, this type of ScarWork is extremely gentle and not painful whatsoever.
I’ve seen great results with c-section scars during their initial healing period (up to 18 months post surgery), as well as scars many decades old.

The initial treatment involves a thorough consultation and chat about what your expectations are from the treatment. An assessment of the scar itself, and the surrounding skin and tissues, both standing up and lying down. Gentle treatment of the scar, the abdomen and the lower back - it’s all connected, and tense muscles anywhere else in your torso may create a pull on your scar, so we address this also. Plus, you’ll be feeling achy from the demands of new motherhood, so it would be pretty rude not to include some tlc.

I will also show you a variety of techniques you can practice yourself at home, with a special massage balm to take away, too. I use this beautiful bee balm.

See the pricing page for details on cost and lengths of treatments and below for some c-section self care pointers.

C-Section Self Care
Below are some pointers for caring for your c-section scar yourself. I really hope you find them helpful in your recovery. It’s never too early, or too late, to care for your scar.

Some safety precautions before we get started - none of the below should feel at all painful in any way. If it does, ease up or stop. If any swelling, redness or heat develops, stop and seek medical advice should it not return to normal within a few hours.

Immediately after surgery (because that's what it is, pretty major surgery at that):

  • Hold a towel or pillow against your scar if you're going to cough or sneeze.

  • A sanitary towel (those big maternity ones are perfect) stuck to the inside of your (big, granny style) pants, to protect against any knocks (especially handy if you have other kids).

As soon as you feel ready to:

  • If you're able to establish a connection with the site of your c-section as soon after the surgery as you're able to, this can be really beneficial in the long run. Simply placing your flat hands over any dressing or even over your clothes and sending yourself some love and kindness can go a really, really long way. There may of course be lots of emotions involved also, so if you're not able to do this, don't worry. Don't rush yourself and remember you can always get assistance with your scar healing later on.

  • Start taking some deep breaths. Send them as far down into your belly as you're able to. This will really help to re-align all the tissue layers that had to be navigated through to get to your baby. Start gently, and only breathe as deeply as feels comfortable. You don't want to be in any pain whilst doing this. It's like an internal massage, whilst the deep breaths are also calming for your nervous system - double win.

Once the would has healed up (no weeping of any kind and no gaps in the scar line):

  • Moisturise regularly to keep the skin soft and supple. Rosehip oil is excellent or Tamanu balm (if you have a friend who sells Tropic cosmetics, they do a nice one). Anything with vitamin E is a winner, anything with perfumes added is not.

How to massage your c-section scar:

Massaging your scar can influence the way it heals, as well as improve the quality of scar tissue the body produces and has the added benefit of keeping you connected to this part of your body. 

Start by simply placing your hands over the scar as explained above. You can then add very gentle sweeping movements with your fingertips (think featherlight touch) around and over the top of the scar from 2 weeks onwards, as long as the wound has fully closed up.

From 6 weeks on, add working in small, circular movements around the scar, increasing the pressure without it becoming uncomfortable or painful. 

You can now also apply gentle pressure to the top of the scar - pressing softly downwards and moving in circles. To avoid any "stickiness" within the scar and surrounding, healthy tissue, place your hands below the scar line, press fairly firmly down towards your spine, then pull gently upwards towards your tummy button. Repeat above the scar line, pushing down.  

A lot of scar massage you find online will suggest you pull at the scar from opposite sides of it - I would suggest you don't. It doesn't feel right and even counterproductive to me. Equally, anything that feels rough or painful - it's just not necessary. Gentle encouragement is all that's needed.

Lifestyle things that can help healing:

  • Stay hydrated. Helps to keep you regular, helps your body to send moisture to the healing tissues. 

  • Eat the rainbow and plenty of protein (and also cake, especially when sleep deprived).

  • Once your scar has fully healed over, you could try silicone strips to cover your scar. They protect the scar, while it's still early in the healing journey (it can take up to 18 months for scars to arrive at their final stage in terms of feel and appearance), and there is evidence that it helps scars retain a flatter appearance.

Stay vocal:

  • If your scar doesn't feel right, seek medical advice and don't accept any version of "your scar looks fine, there's nothing that can be done". There is always something. And you're not stuck with how your scar has healed or feels. 

A final note:

  • The 6 week minimum recovery time is just that - a minimum. A marker for you and your GP of where you are in your recovery journey and to compare things to further down the line if necessary. It takes up to 18 months for a scar to completely heal and settle and a fair few months for your whole body to recover from pregnancy and birth and find its new 'normal'.

  • Something to keep in mind when you ramp up your activity levels again - if you feel any pulling or restrictions, go gently. If your activities include repetitive movements that might put uneven pressure on your scar, be mindful of this and keep an eye on how this might affect the healing process.

    If in doubt, see a professional for advice, guidance or treatment. Your GP, health visitor or women's health physio are a good port of call. And of course I can help with scar massage! As well as giving you a treatment, I can also show you techniques to carry on at home, specific to your unique scar and circumstances.